Early reporting, medical care helped quick recovery, say COVID-19 survivors
Silchar, May 23: COVID-19 survivors young and old remember their ordeal as they underscored the need for early reporting at the hospitals which, in their words enhances the chances of recovering from the disease.
74-year old Ranadhir Bhattacharjee a retired employee of Arkatipur Tea garden and wife Anita Bhattacharjee and their family members, residents of Ashram road in Silchar were detected to be COVID-19 on May 9 are now recovering at home. At a time when delayed reporting of people being affected by the virus with symptoms of dipping oxygen levels is causing serious consequences across the state, Sivashish Bhattacharjee, their nephew and a journalist promptly got them admitted at the Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH). After eight days of treatment at the hospital, the couple returned home on May 16.
Recalling the treatment and the support they got from the doctors and staff at the SMCH, Ranadhir Bhattacharjee shared his feeling with The Assam Tribune saying " while the word COVID-19 struck fear and irritation and took a toll on our physic, the mental well being and constant medical attention together with constant wishes from everyone helped us pull through the phase. I had the belief that we would recover from the disease. I thank the doctors and nurses who monitored our health condition regularly during our stay at the hospital."
Weeks after his recovery, 36 year old Vishal Sinha, resident of Vivekananda Road is back with his family and says he is recovering from post-COVID-19 weakness. "High fever, mind numbing and cough were the symptoms which I developed as I had tested for COVID-19 positive. I was worried for my family as I developed a severe cough. I had undergone a CT scan of the chest and developed lung infection following which I was admitted. I felt that because I have isolated myself and I will not be the reason to infect others at home. At the hospital, I will be treated and get well. I am satisfied with the treatment and care at the SMCH. The doctors gave me necessary medicines which helped me to heal quickly. The hospital staff too guided me in ways to do proning exercises for breathing as well," Sinha said. He was quick to inform that after he came home, he had isolated himself as his wife and family members too had developed the infection and eventually all of them recovered now.
"Mentally, it was a very depressing phase for me to witness people in almost dying condition. Many of the patients whom I know have already collapsed due to the disease which made me feel even worse. I had dissociated myself from everything and even music which is close to my heart. But I thank my family, my wife for the sacrifice to heal me from the disease. I kept telling myself I have miles to go and fulfill the goals in life. I will not give up. Technically I am fine but I am wondering over some of the after-effects of the disease which I hope will wither soon. When people get infected with COVID-19, they must not panic or become victims of stigma. People must not hide the symptoms and waste time for health to deteriorate further. Quick reporting at the hospital with early symptoms gives the best scope to recover from the disease," Sinha, who works in the Advertising industry at Gurgaon, maintained.
